Sending money to a factory on the other side of the world, run by people you’ve never met, is the scariest part of your first import — and rightly so. Almost every “I got scammed” story starts at the payment. Here’s how to make it safe.
Rule 1: Verify before you pay
Before a single dollar moves, confirm the supplier is a real factory that makes what you’re buying — not a trading company pretending, or worse, not real at all. Ask for a video call of the actual production line, check their business licence, and run a quick supplier scorecard.
Rule 2: Never pay 100% upfront
The safest structure for a first order is a deposit (often 30%) to start production, and the balance paid only after inspection confirms the goods are right. A supplier who demands the full amount before making anything is a red flag.
Rule 3: Pay to the company, not a person
Money should go to the registered company’s bank account, matching the name on your contract — never a personal account or a sudden “new” account emailed to you at the last minute. That last one is a classic scam.
Rule 4: Get it in writing
A simple contract or proforma invoice listing product, specs, quantity, price, payment terms and delivery gives you something to stand on if things go wrong.
Follow these four and the payment stops being the scary part.
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